Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight has had a mixed past. It’s was a prison that kept Charles I during the Civil War, a somewhere for royalty to stay during the summer, and an artillery fortress in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
The castle is on a hilltop, and the first fort was built around 1000 years ago, probably to escape raids from Vikings.
Now the castle is one of English Heritage’s top ten family attractions, as voted for by visitors.
There are plenty of castle ruins to explore, as well as visiting the castle’s donkeys.
If the kids still have plenty of energy, there are 71 steps to climb around the remains of the 14th Century motte and keep.
Visit the English Heritage website to see if there’s a family event on at the castle.

Oh the hardship! This is the ‘prison’ of King Charles I at Carisbrooke Castle. Photo c/o English Heritage.

Planning your visit

General Facilities

Parking

Toilets

Baby Changing

Pushchair Friendly

Accessible

Dogs Welcome

Cafe

Picnic Area

Dogs are allowed on leads (but not inside the museum).
The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, but due to steep steps, the upper floor of the museum and the castle walls are not.

If you are planning on taking the kids to a couple of English Heritage properties this year, consider getting a Family English Heritage Membership, as this could save you money on the entrance and parking fees.

Carisbrooke Castle is towards the centre of the Isle of Wight, just outside the town of Newport.
Use the postcode PO30 1XY in your satnav and follow signs to Carisbrooke village.
There is a parking fee for the carpark (though this is free if you are an English Heritage member).